Fire engines are crucial to your department’s ability to respond to callouts efficiently. Even with regular servicing, these trucks can break down over time. You should refurbish or replace your fire truck as needed to maintain performance and reliability.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacing fire trucks over 25 years old and putting any apparatus over 15 years old into reserve after upgrading it closer to the latest standards. This guide explores factors to help you decide which option is best, along with key considerations for refurbishing or replacing your trucks.
How to Decide Whether to Refurbish or Replace Your Fire Truck
While the NFPA guidelines are helpful reminders to review your fire trucks’ performance, the wear and tear on your truck may vary. As such, you should take a few key factors, including the following, into account when making a decision:
- Cost: Refurbishing a fire truck is usually cheaper than buying a brand-new replacement. A cost-effective option is to purchase a used fire truck, which is much cheaper than buying the same fire truck new.
- New features: You may be able to upgrade your fire engine to meet any new features or safety standards recommended by the NFPA. It is possible to get all the necessary technology and safety protocols without buying a newer model.
- Meeting needs: Consider how your current fire truck meets your department’s needs. Refurbishing your equipment may be enough for the engine you have in reserve. But if your truck no longer meets your fleet’s needs, it’s time for a replacement.
- Fire truck condition: The condition of your truck will determine whether a mechanic can refurbish components back to an acceptable level or whether a replacement would be the better option. Check your truck’s parts, such as the drivetrain, body, frame, and pump.
- Longevity: Refurbishing a fire truck extends its life for a few more service years, whereas a brand-new truck will last much longer. Used pumpers or tankers provide a middle ground and a cost-effective way of ensuring you can keep up your service levels if a replacement is needed.
- Downtime: Restoring a fire truck can be quicker than waiting for the lead time for a new truck. Buying a used truck could give you an upgrade sooner, giving your fleet the equipment it needs more quickly.
- Capacity for refurbishment: Factor in any skills your department may have in maintaining and refurbishing fire trucks. Otherwise, you will need to rely on external partners to restore your engine to full working order.
Pros of Fire Truck Refurbishment
Fire truck restoration can be a cost-effective way to keep your fleet running at full capacity. The advantages of refurbishment include:
- Lowest upfront cost: Depending on the scale of work to be done, fire truck repair can cost much less up front than a replacement. This is useful for departments with lower budgets that still want to upgrade their equipment.
- Customizable: When refurbishing your fire truck, you can make the changes your crew finds most useful to solve common challenges. For example, you could add a backup camera to allow for safer reversing.
- Familiarity: By keeping and refurbishing the same truck your crew is familiar with, it reduces the need for any further training on new trucks. This can maintain your team’s efficiency when on call.
Cons of Fire Truck Refurbishment
Some older engines may be past refurbishment. There are other drawbacks to refurbishing a fire truck, such as:
- Future repair costs: Compared to a brand-new or used replacement, a refurbished truck may still need more repairs and maintenance in the future as components wear out at different rates.
- Limited lifespan: While refurbishing your truck will keep it in action for longer, it will need replacing in the near future. Therefore, the costs of buying a replacement may be more justified in the long term.
- Unexpected repair items: Estimates can help you secure funding for refurbishment, but when it comes to making a fire truck repair, you may encounter some unexpected costs from components that are more worn than expected.
- Limited upgrade options: While many parts can be refreshed and upgraded, you may not be able to incorporate all of the latest advances when refurbishing a fire truck.
Pros of Replacing a Fire Truck
When finding a replacement for your engine, you could buy new or used. A preowned fire truck can match all your department’s needs without a huge price tag. There are many pros of a replacement fire truck, including:
- Enhanced safety: Buying new fire trucks or used models gives you access to the latest safety features.
- Increased compliance: New fire trucks are typically compliant with the latest NFPA standards.
- Improved performance: Newer equipment is typically more efficient than older models. This can help you respond more quickly and effectively to callouts.
Cons of Replacing a Fire Truck
Buying a brand-new fire truck may not be feasible for some departments. Potential cons of buying a new fire truck include:
- Highest up-front cost: The cost of a new fire truck ranges from $200,000 to over $1 million, which is a significant investment for your fire department. For smaller budgets, it may not be feasible to retire your current truck in favor of a costly replacement. Used options are a cost-effective alternative. Used fire trucks can range in price from $60,000 to $800,000, depending on their age and condition.
- Lead times: The average lead time for a brand-new fire engine can take years. Refurbishing a truck can take much less time, or you could buy a used truck, which would also provide a faster upgrade to your fleet.
Tips for Choosing Fire Truck Refurbishment vs. Replacement
Choosing between refurbishing and replacing your fire truck is a complex decision. Here are a few final pointers to help you decide:
- Engine age: Consider retiring any fire trucks older than 25 years from service. Replacing any truck approaching this age may be more cost-effective than refurbishing an old model.
- Budget: Weigh up the costs of buying a brand-new or used truck versus repairing your current truck. Find the option that works for your budget in the short and long term.
- Used replacements: A preowned fire truck can be the perfect solution for upgrading your fleet while keeping costs down and avoiding lengthy lead times. Find a dealer you can trust to find the best replacement.
Get Used Fire Trucks at Fenton Fire Equipment
Keeping your fire department’s equipment up to standard is crucial for safety and reliability in emergencies. Refurbishing or replacing your fire trucks can both be great options for ensuring you have machines you can rely on.
If you’re considering a replacement, turn to Fenton Fire Equipment to find a wide range of preowned fire trucks and equipment from top manufacturers like Pierce, Seagrave, American LaFrance and more. Contact us online or call us at 1-866-310-2077 to learn more about a specific listing.
